Arsenal’s Gabriel has successfully appealed his three-match ban for a straight red card after he was sent off in his side’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea. The appeal was for wrongful dismissal, after Mike Dean, having originally booked the Brazilian for an altercation with Diego Costa, then proceeded to send off the defender due to his allegedly kicking out at the Chelsea striker. It was allegedly felt that Gabriel had merely walked into him, and his successful appeal means that he will not be banned for three games.
Gabriel Red Card Appeal Successful
This will come as a relief to the Gunners, as Gabriel has put in a number of strong performances this season, with many believing that he can be the saviour for Arsenal’s long-term defensive problem. He will be able to play in Arsenal’s Capital One Cup tie away to Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow, but it is not known whether he will start, as Arsène Wenger often fields weakened sides for that particular competition.
Diego Costa meanwhile has been charged for violent conduct in a series of incidents which were not seen by the match officials. The two incidents involved both Arsenal defenders, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel, where he appeared to put his hands of the Frenchman’s face, then slap him, and later head-butt him to the ground. Moreover, scratches appeared on Gabriel’s neck, which allegedly were caused in the aftermath of the Koscielny incident, where the Brazilian got angry and then physical with Costa. A video of all three incidents is available.
The other Arsenal player to be sent off in the match, Santi Cazorla, is unlikely to appeal his one-match ban for two yellow cards, and will therefore miss Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham. After that, he will be available for selection again. The FA have revealed (in the previous link) that he has been warned for his behaviour.
Both teams will be reprimanded for their handling of players.
